Topic Projects
Date 30 Jan 2018
The River Mersey flood risk management scheme in Warrington was officially opened on 26 January by Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, and the town’s mayor Cllr Les Morgan.
The Environment business unit of Galliford Try was responsible for four of the six phases of work worth £15m over five years. In-river works included press-in piling and rock filling in three locations near the Thelwall viaduct on the M6. The final phase of our work featured the removal of a 100-metre long culvert along Padgate Brook and its replacement with a more natural looking channel with five hectares of reed bed habitat to attract wildlife.
More than 2,000 homes and business in the town will be protected by the scheme, one of the biggest such projects in the north west in recent years. In 2009, the National Flood Risk Assessment showed that Warrington had the 10th highest number of properties at risk of flooding in the country. The scheme will reduce that risk to a 1% chance in any given year.
Sir James Bevan said: “The scheme not only brings flood risk benefits, but the work in the area is also good news for walkers, birdwatchers and wildlife. It’s been great to see the Environment Agency working together in partnership to better protect Warrington, a fine example of what can be achieved by working with others. These new flood defences will not only benefits hundreds of homes and businesses in the area but will also safeguard critical infrastructure, vital in keeping the town moving.”
Performing the official opening are, from left, the Mayor of Warrington, Les Morgan; Helen Jones, MP Warrington North; Lee Rawlinson, Environment Agency Area Director; and Sir James Bevan, Environment Agency Chief Executive. Representing Galliford Try were Ravi Darigala, Galliford Try Environment Director, and Ian Broadhurst, Site Agent.